About Axe

I'm the guitarist for a Kentucky based southern metal band called Downtrend. We've spent the last decade plus opening for some of the biggest names in rock and metal all over the eastern U.S.. Music is my passion!!

We all have Skeletons in the closet right? Well, September 15th guitar legend BOB KULICK (KISS, MEATLOAF, LOU REED, ALICE COOPER, MOTORHEAD, W.A.S.P. and various others) is unleashing his skeletons upon the world with the release of his first solo album titled… you guessed it ‘Skeletons In The Closet’ available from Vanity Records.

Last month SEVENDUST guitarist JOHN CONNOLLY‘S side project PROJECTED released their second album “Ignite My Insanity” through RatPak Records. “Ignite My Insanity” is a double disc headbanger that links heavy riffs with melodic hooks and choruses. PROJECTED is a super-group of sorts featuring members of SEVENDUST, ALTER BRIDGE, CREED, TRIMONTI and SUBMERSED. We had the pleasure of spending some time with JOHN CONNOLLY. In the conversation we spoke about the new PROJECTED record, writing, touring and the future of the mighty SEVENDUST.

Good things come to those who wait. Long time West Virginia rockers ZEROKING have released a new single titled “Boom” from their upcoming album “The Empire Of Sin”. Working on the album since early 2014, it appears that the group are finally set to unleash it on the world. Continue reading →

You’re never to old to “Bang Your Head”. Here in 2017 QUIET RIOT are still giving fans a reason to keep their heads banging with their newest release “Road Rage”, Available today from FRONTIERS MUSIC. “Road Rage” marks the first release with new front man, and ex American Idol finalist James Durbin. The lineup is Rounded out with long time drummer Frankie “Boom Boom” Banali, long time bassist Chuck Wright and Guitarist Alex Grossi who’s been with the group since 2004. Continue reading →

You’re never to old to “Bang Your Head”. Here in 2017 QUIET RIOT are still giving fans a reason to keep their heads banging with their newest release “Road Rage”, Available August 4th from FRONTIERS MUSIC. “Road Rage” marks the first release with new front man, and ex American Idol finalist James Durbin. The lineup is Rounded out with long time drummer Frankie “Boom Boom” Banali, long time bassist Chuck Wright and Guitarist Alex Grossi who’s been with the group since 2004. Continue reading →

There’s something exhilarating about listening to new music that just grabs you and has you jamming within moments. Fun, fast paced and high energy all describe the debut album Feral by OldScratch. Guitarist JeffWorley was the last man standing in Charlotte, NC with the previous version of OldScratch and it’s rebirth began in January of 2016 as he along with NickSheppard on drums and RahsaanLaceyon bass played their first gig together. I, for one, am grateful that they did so, because just over a year later…I’m getting whiplash from banging my head so hard to their debut album.

Hailing from the great white north THUNDERBIRD has a refreshing sound that harkens back to the glory days of hard rock music with a spirit out of the 70’s and 80’s. They have the a rhythmic feel that would make any AC/DC fan happy. But amazingly they pair it with vocals that are very comparable to the legendary PAUL STANLEY of KISS. Originally formed in 2003 the band consists of Marc Lafrance (Vocals), Rod Coogan (Guitar), Kelly Stodola (Drums) also Tim Rath and Rob Becker (Bass). The group disbanded after their 2006 release “What’s The Word?”. A decade later the rockers are back with vengeance supporting their all new 2016 release “Heavyweight”. Continue reading →

This is part of our State Of The Art series, showcasing bands every Monday from the featured State.

This month’s State is Maine!

Formed in 2003 DEAD SEASON was Founded by brothers Matt and Ian Truman. Ian is the lead vocalist for the group while Matt plays guitar and does backing vocals. They were later joined by bassist Steven Church (2007) and drummer Dustin Fitzpatrick (2014). DEAD SEASON has sold over 25,000 cd’s, an amazing feat considering the band has done it all on their own w/out the help of a record label. The group hail from Paris, ME and have held their own with some of the biggest names in hard rock history. In their 13 year history they have managed to score gigs on the “ROCKSTAR MAYHEM FESTIVAL” and DISTURBED’S “MUSIC AS A WEAPON TOUR” to name only a few. They have also played gigs with and shared the bill with rock icons like SLIPKNOT, AVENEGED SEVENFOLD, GODSMACK, KORN, MEGADETH and MOTORHEAD. Trust me, that was the short list. These guys have played with everyone.